1937
2013
Salem - Alice Kelley was born in North Bend, OR to Rodney C. and Lillian B. Laskey. Alice passed away at age 76 in Salem, OR after a long illness with Alzheimer's disease.
Alice lived in Gardiner and Reedsport on the Oregon coast in her youth. She graduated from Reedsport Union High School in 1955. In 1960 she graduated from the five year Baccalaureate program at the University of Oregon Medical School, School of Nursing with three years of Oregon Health Sciences University experience.
Alice was married on June 23, 1961, to Norman F. Kelley, the love of her life. Alice and Norm moved to rural West Salem in 1964. They loved their home, garden, and woods, and enjoyed many good times with their wonderful neighbors. Alice and Norm had two daughters, Amanda and Becky, whom they loved very much; she and Norm proudly pronounced them the "World's Best Kids."
Alice worked first as a Douglas County public health nurse, then for 24 years at Marion County Health Department in a variety of capacities, including leading home care and hospice programs, which became a life-long passion. She later worked as Director at Willamette Falls Home Care in Oregon City, and retired in 1993. Her commitment to elder care continued with part-time work at Willson House in Salem and serving as a Parish Nurse at Calvary Baptist Church where she was a member. At Calvary, Alice and Susannah Dahill launched and served as Co-Program Coordinators of "Faith in Action-Caregiver Connection", a program for recruiting and supporting volunteers to provide relief for caregivers of those with memory loss.
Alice and Norm were members of the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club in Newport, OR and enjoyed sailing their 25' sailboat Nightwind in Yaquina Bay, on the Columbia River, in Puget Sound and around the San Juan Islands.
Alice loved gardening, cooking and entertaining, and was a life-long learner, taking classes in computer skills and cooking, and experimenting with many crafts, such as macramé, stained glass, batik and sewing. She and Norm enjoyed country drives and travel around Oregon after retirement, including spending time at the family property at Floras Lake.
Alice taught her girls that they could do and be anything they wanted. She was deeply compassionate. She was a fighter, surmounting many personal obstacles in her life with strength, determination and humor. Her sense of humor persisted, even as her dementia progressed, and brought joy to those around her. Mom was strong, funny, loving, and dearly beloved. We will miss her so, but are glad that she is released from suffering and will live on in so many hearts.
Alice is survived by husband, Norman Kelley; daughters Amanda Weller (Aaron) of Portland, OR and Becky Kelley (David Edelstein) of Seattle, WA; granddaughters Kendra Weller and Zora Kelley Edelstein; cousins Marcia Chiaudano and Jim Laskey; nephews David and Dan Teitzel and niece Deborah Arce. Alice was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Rodney and Lillian, and sister Barbara Teitzel.
The family would like to thank neighbors June and Ian Deuchars, caregiver and friend Patti Byrd, and the staff at Orchard Heights and Willamette Valley Hospice, all of whom provided for Alice's safety and comfort in her final years.
Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children (where Alice received treatment for a bone disease as a child), the Alzheimer's Association or Willamette Valley Hospice.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 12 at 1pm at Calvary Baptist Church (1230 Liberty St SE) in Salem, OR. Visitation will be from 9 to 11am at Howell, Edwards Funeral Home in Salem. Interment will follow the memorial service in a private ceremony at Spring Valley Cemetery.
You are invited to share photos and memories in the online guestbook at: www.hed-fh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 30, 2013
Priscilla Hall Boswell
I lived in Reedsport Oregon in 1946 & 1947 as a girl and I became a friend of Alice's. We spent many an hour playing together in the attic of her parent's home in Reedsport. When I moved to Washington state in 1948, I continued to correspond with Alice until I married and beyond. I had lost contact with her in later years and I just found this notice of her death. My sympathies to her family.
November 4, 2013
Ruth Johnson
I worked with Alice at Marion County Health Department from 1973-1987. As nursing supervisors, we had many meetings working on health issues and services. I appreciated Alice's wisdom and guidance. My sincere sympathy to her daughters and families. Peace be to her memory.
October 18, 2013
Tiffany Mills
Becky and Amanda, our hearts are with you. Love, Tiffany, Drew & Wren.
October 12, 2013
Lela Riesterer-Gray
Alice hired me as the receptionist at the Marion County Home Health Agency. When it was closed, I had moved to Tualatin and by chance noticed a receptionist position listed in the paper for Willamette Falls Health Care Consortium. I interviewed and was fortunate to work with Alice again. I will never forget when she invited me to lunch on Secretaries Day and just the two of us had a beautiful lunch at a quaint old house in Oregon City. She has always been on my mind. How lucky you girls where to have such a mother. And oh the flowers she would bring into the office and at the holidays homemade hot chocolate mix.
October 12, 2013
Lela Riesterer-Gray
October 12, 2013
Jill Johnson
Wishing you all peace and comfort at this time......I do have great memories of your home in Salem. I remember playing with Becky and Mandy up and down the stairs, and your Mom was always so tolerant and nice to us! I also remember her warm and happy laugh.
Praying for your strength and take comfort in your wonderful Husbands and children. Love to all.
October 12, 2013
Sandra Smith
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family at this most difficult time. Please be assured that God will help you cope with the heavy weight of your loss for Psalms 68:19 says: “Blessed be Almighty God who daily carries the load for us.” May God's comfort bring relief and may you feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends at this time of sorrow.
October 9, 2013
Patty (Van Note) Garrison
I met Alice when I moved to Gardiner in 1948 when we were in the 6th grade at good old W. F. Jewett grade school. We had such fun there at the small school (15 in our class) that we could participate in everything. School plays, volleyball team, speaking contest, etc. I remember the slumber parties we had at her house there in Gardiner. What fun we had growing up in a small town. And years later in the summer she would invite the girls from our class to her home there in Salem for an afternoon with lunch, swimming and remembering when.
I think of her and Norm often fighting the terrible disease they both were/are fighting. My heart goes out to their family. Alice will be in my heart and memories forever.
October 8, 2013
Dear Becky and Mandy,
We are so sorry for the difficult ending to your mother's life. We remember her earlier years of fun times on Briarwood Street hosting pumpkin carvings, building forts in the woods, serving others for home health care, enjoying her garden, and, of course, her great laugh.
May the two of you and other family members find peace in recalling Alice's roles as a great mom, friend, and servant to others.
Fondly,
Tom and Priscilla Hibbard
October 9, 2013
Staff of Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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